When choosing new glasses – sunglasses or prescription glasses, it doesn’t matter – you should have a basic knowledge of the names of the various parts that make up the glasses. These more technical details, in fact, allow you to understand which glasses to choose based on the shape of your face but also which lenses can be mounted.
When you go to an optician in a physical store, the staff can give more or less detailed explanations; in the case of online purchases, however, it is more difficult to orient yourself if you do not know exactly what you are talking about.
Here is a small “vocabulary” of terms that characterize each piece of a frame, so as not to be caught unprepared and to better understand how to orient yourself in choosing the best solution for you.
The Main Components of Glasses
So let’s start by listing the main elements that give functionality and comfort to glasses, so as not to generate confusion when going into more detail.
Depending on the materials, these pieces will also change, which are essential to provide the right support to the lenses but also to fit perfectly on the face, in order to offer a clear and crystalline vision, personalized based on the shape of the nose, the support on the ears, etc. So let’s start by analyzing every little detail:
Front
This element – decidedly preponderant and immediately identifiable – is structured in several parts since it contains in itself:
- the two rims;
- the bridge;
- the ends.
We could also call it the main frame and it is the piece that most of all determines the style of the selected glasses since it differs in shape and size. Consequently, the material will also change in consideration of the type of front, thus combining the pure aesthetic discourse with the – essential – functional one.
CliC reading glasses, for example, have a magnet on the front that allows them to be opened and closed quickly, with a simple gesture.
Circle or Ring
Circles are also called “eyes” and therefore it is easy to understand that this is the part on which the lenses will be inserted. Traditionally they are also called “rings” and everything suggests the round shape; in reality – although this terminology remains – we know well that the shape can be oval, rectangular, square, etc…
Bridge
In this case we are referring to the part that rests on the nose and connects the two circles. This is one of the parts that must be taken into account most since the size of the bridge corresponds to the distance between one lens and the other; this means that thanks to the knowledge of this length, you can choose the frame that fits perfectly on the shape of your face, therefore allowing ideal vision.
Frontal/Front Hinge
These are the most extreme parts of the front which are connected to the temples; this happens via hinges. We easily understand that this is a purely functional element.
Hinge
Another fundamental piece: we are talking about those mechanisms that allow you to activate the opening and closing mechanism of the frame. They are therefore those components that connect the temples to the front of the glasses.
Nose Pad
Small but very useful, nose pads are small pieces of silicone, plastic or metal that help support the entire pair of glasses on the nose. Usually they are adjustable elements but in some cases the frame is completely devoid of them or is already integrated into a single piece: it depends on the style, rather than the functionality. Even if small in size, they often make a difference with respect to the comfort of the frame.
Temples
Let’s now talk about the temples that are found on the sides of the glasses and that serve to stop them behind the ears, thus ensuring their “hold” on the face without slipping. The most common name to characterize them is “temple“, however this element can also be referred to as “arms” or “braccetti“.
Another detail to pay attention to – to ensure greater personal comfort – is their shape: there are both completely straight ones and rounded at the end.
In the case of CliC glasses, the temples are a single piece together with the collar: this is one of the features that make our magnetic connection models unique in the world.
Terminals or Decorative Ends
These are the small and usually metallic pieces that can surmount the external corners of the frame; in fact, they are mostly decorative elements, sometimes present at the point where the temples are attached.
However, be careful about the context in which this word is used because sometimes “terminals” refers to the final part of the temples: in this case, these are often slightly malleable, so as to curve them for a better experience in wearing glasses, placing them better behind the auricle.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Parts of Glasses
At this point, thanks to our small and concise glossary, it will be easier to understand which parts of the glasses we are referring to and above all to the various functions. In fact, people often, not knowing the specific terms, search online for definitions of various kinds. In fact, it may happen that you have to buy spare parts or have to explain to the eye doctor or optician if you are having any discomfort. Knowing the specific terms can help solve problems of this kind.
What are the sides of glasses called?
This question, for example, does not help to understand what we are referring to: on the sides of the glasses there are in fact the temples, the terminals but also the hinges. Now, thanks to this article, it will be enough to read the definitions we have given to try to clarify.
What are the temples of glasses called?
Again, we have answered in the previous paragraphs and therefore we reiterate that the “temple” are also commonly called “temple“, “arms” and “braces“.
What is the name of the support of the glasses on the nose?
Finally, one of the most frequently asked questions is related to the element that rests on the nose: usually we refer to the nose pads but the most correct answer will depend on the type of glasses worn.
Sappiamo infatti che in alcuni casi i naselli sono del tutto assenti e quindi ci si potrebbe riferire in realtà direttamente al ponte.
We hope we have clarified with this little guide; in any case, CliC Eyewear is always available to provide information before the choice and to support customers after the being sold.